Manhattan/Riley County

Advocate. Educate. Inform. Empower.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League of Women Voters Manhattan/Riley County believes in: respect for individuals, the value of diversity, the empowerment of the grassroots*, and the power of collective decision making for the common good.

We need to protect the vote! Reverend Jonalu Johnstone of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan addressed the LWVManhattan-Riley County with this important message. View here.

WASHINGTON – The League of Women Voters of the United States issued the following statement in reference to the murder of George Floyd:

"The League of Women Voters grieves the murders of George Floyd and the countless other Black lives that have been tragically taken at the hands of rogue law enforcement officers who are rarely held fully accountable for their actions.

"We also mourn those who have lost their lives or been harmed, mentally or physically, as a result of America’s pervasive culture of anti-blackness. The systems of oppression that have perpetuated the myth of white supremacy in our country must be dismantled if we are ever to become the nation we pledge to be—indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

"As an organization whose mission is to empower voters and defend democracy, we stand in solidarity with all Black communities. The League shall do so not only by speaking out against racism in all forms, but by doing the work required of us to be anti-racist. We are committed to listening to and amplifying Black voices, and educating ourselves and our children on the historic and ongoing systemic racism that plagues this country.

"The League acknowledges, painfully, that America is a nation founded on racism. Therefore, all who live in this country must contribute to and participate in organizations actively working to achieve full liberation and inclusive freedom. We must all advocate for anti-racist policies at every level of government.

"We join the League of Women Voters of Minnesota in calling on law enforcement officials to provide transparency during this investigation, and to seek justice for George Floyd, his family, and his community.

"Finally, we echo the call of our partners at the NAACP: we must all vote in November – the road to change lies at the ballot box."

Stay Active, Stay Alert, and (if you can) Stay Home!

Due to the virus outbreak, we are cancelling our in-person events for the near future. We hope that you all stay well. If you need something to do...

The following is from the Riley County Clerk's Office: (author Anita Cook.) Thank you Clerk Vargo and your team for this extra effort during these trying times.

"With COVID-19 infiltrating our community and not knowing for certain what this will look like as our elections grow closer, the Riley County Clerk’s office is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety of our voters, election workers, and staff members. Riley County is mailing out a flyer on 5/28/20 to all active Riley County voters. This flyer will provide two single advance applications. By completing the applications, it will enable them to send you a ballot right to your house! This will give you the opportunity to vote in the safety of your own home and follow the guidelines of social distancing to help stop the spread to our friends and neighbors! If you have any questions regarding your voter registration, please feel free to contact the Riley County Clerk’s office at 785-537-6300. your mailer for an Advance Mail Ballot and vote from home!"